Not Marked [Review]

Mary DeMuth has written a powerful book entitled Not Marked: Finding Hope & Healing After Sexual Abuse and wow! What a powerful read! What’s interesting is that when you take the realm of the demonic–namely in the area of sexual abuse and molestation–into consideration, you understand the concept of being marked so to speak.

If you or someone you know has been sexually molested in some way, then you’ll also know that the likelihood of attracting future [potential] predators is significantly increased. Mary describes it like this:

Perhaps you’ve spent much of your life with an imprinted sexual abuse mark, a beacon inviting others to abuse you, a reminder to you and others that you carry secret shame. It seems so permanent, more indelible than a Sharpie pen’s ink, as if the sexual abuse was pierced underneath your skin like a tattoo…. Picture yourself walking down the street in your neighborhood with an “I was sexually abused” tattoo in blaring red ink on your forehead.

You rub your forehead in desperation, but the mark remains.

The demonic realm has marked you.

I’ve never been sexually abused or molested and I won’t even say that I can imagine, but my trust has been violated. I’ve struggled with rejection and depression before. Maybe you have one of these struggles or a similar struggle? Well what Not Marked does is show you that not only can you heal from your violation(s)–whatever it may be–but that you can live free. You can live Not Marked.

We in the Church have a nasty, unholy habit of sweeping issues like this under the rug, favouring predators, and shaming victims. I can think of situations–local, national, and global–wherein this shame has been perpetuated.

We need to do better. We must.

And while Mary, from her own experience, shares about the wonders of having loving, trustworthy people around; counselling; and intentional pursuit of healing; she also shares about the love of Jesus and how His power can absolutely set you free.

You can live Not Marked.

If you or someone you know has suffered with sexual abuse and molestation, if you are a leader at a church or ministry, I encourage you to read Not Marked and share the good news of freedom with others!

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)

Desiree M. Mondesir is the Managing Editor for Gospel Today. She pens The Hostess List and Godly Government columns. She is also the author of Godly Government (@GodlyGovernment), Kingdom Mandates, Faith and the Imagination, and How to Write Fiction That Doesn’t Suck. She is also the CEO and Founder of Desired Assistance virtual writing and editing company including its creative branch, iSubCreate. Desiree loves using her gifts to inspire others as well as encourage and motivate them to pursue their own God-given dreams. To learn more about Desiree, please connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. You may also subscribe to http://DesireeMMondesir.com to get your free copy of Godly Government!